Peeblesshire Foodbank – Chairman’s Report 2025
Introduction
Peeblesshire Foodbank has continued to deliver vital support to individuals and families experiencing crisis across our community over the past year. Demand for our services has remained high, reflecting ongoing financial pressures and the continued vulnerability of many households. Throughout these challenges, our volunteers, staff, partners, and supporters have demonstrated exceptional commitment to ensuring that no one in our area faces hunger alone.
Overview of the Year
The year has been characterised by sustained levels of need, with many people seeking assistance due to rising living costs, income insecurity, and unexpected crises. In response, the organisation has strengthened both its operational capacity and its wider community engagement. Alongside providing emergency food, we have continued to develop approaches that promote connection, dignity, and holistic support.
We have also dedicated significant time to reviewing and improving our internal processes, ensuring that our operations remain safe, effective, and resilient.
Governance
Peeblesshire Foodbank benefits from the leadership and oversight of a committed Board of Trustees. The current officers are:
Chair – Vice Chair – | | Treasurer – | Board Members - ~~ee~~
We extend sincere thanks to fe , who retired as Treasurer in December 2024.
Statistics and Demand
Demand for our services remained high across the reporting year. During that time, our charity
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provided approximately 20,000 meals
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supported 1,640 people in crisis
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handled 30 tonnes of food through our warehouse
These figures underline the scale of need within our community and the essential role played by the our charity. Staff and volunteers worked diligently to ensure that every person received support with dignity and compassion.
Projects and Community Work
Peeblesshire Foodbank continued to develop and deliver a range of community-based initiatives designed to reduce hardship and foster connection. Key activities included:
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community cafés, providing warm, welcoming spaces offering low-cost meals and opportunities for social connection.
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the Summer Lunch Scheme, through which we provided 6,500 lunches to local children and families during the school holiday period.
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our annual Christmas Hamper Initiative remained a significant undertaking, supporting households at a time of heightened pressure and ensuring that families could enjoy a more secure and dignified festive period.
Volunteers and Staffing
Peeblesshire Foodbank’s work is made possible by our volunteers, who remain at the heart of our organisation. We now have around 75 volunteers, whose contribution to stock management, parcel preparation and delivery, client sessions, and community projects is invaluable.
Staffing capacity has continued to develop in line with our operational needs. Our staff team has demonstrated professionalism, resilience, and a consistent commitment to supporting individuals with care and dignity.
Partnerships and Local Engagement
We have continued to strengthen relationships with statutory agencies, charities, churches, schools, businesses, and community groups. These partnerships are essential in enabling us to provide effective, joinedup support to those in need.
Our strong collaboration with Citizens Advice Bureau has remained particularly impactful, ensuring that individuals benefit from financial guidance, advocacy, and improved income security alongside access to
emergency food.
Finance and Resources
The financial environment has remained challenging, with increased operational pressures and rising costs. The organisation has maintained a firm focus on financial stewardship and sustainability.
Support from grant funders, local groups, churches, businesses, and individual donors has been crucial. These contributions have enabled us to maintain stock levels, deliver core services, and invest in the infrastructure required for safe and effective operations.
Looking Ahead
The coming year will continue to present significant challenges for households across Peeblesshire. The foodbank remains committed to strengthening its services, deepening partnership working, and developing approaches that prevent and reduce the need for emergency food.
Our priorities will include ongoing improvements to operational processes, continued delivery of community projects, and sustained investment in dignity-centred support.
Sourcing funding to maintain core services will remain a priority, especially since funding from Trussell will be reduced as part of their new five year strategy.
Conclusion
Peeblesshire Foodbank has made a substantial impact over the past year, responding to high levels of need with dignity, compassion, and professionalism. On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I extend heartfelt thanks to our volunteers, partners, funders, and supporters. Their dedication enables us to continue making a meaningful difference in the lives of people across Peeblesshire.
24 May 2025
APPENDIX 3
| APPENDIX 3 O9CK |
|
|---|---|
| Independent examiner’s report on the accounts V2 |
|
| Report to the trustees/members of |
Peeblesshire Foodbank SCIO |
| Registered charity | SC045330 |
| number | |
| On the accounts of the | Period start date Period end date |
| charity for the period | Day Month Year Day Month Year |
| 1 Apr 2024 to 31 Mar 2025 |
|
| Set out on pages | 1 to 8 |
| Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner |
The charity’s trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the terms of the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) 2005 Act and the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006 (as amended). The charity trustees |
| consider that the audit requirement of Regulation 10(1) (d) of the Accounts Regulations | |
| does not apply. It is my responsibility to examine the accounts as required under section | |
| 44(1) (c) of the Act and to state whether particular matters have come to my attention. | |
| Basis of independent examiner’s statement |
My examination is carried out in accordance with Regulation 11 of the 2006 Accounts Regulations. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the |
| charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes | |
| consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts and seeks | |
| explanations from the trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken | |
| do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit and, consequently, I do | |
| not express an audit opinion on the view given by the accounts. | |
| Independent examiner’s | In the course of my examination, no matter has come to my attention |
| statement Signed: Name: |
1. which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements: • to keep accounting records in accordance with section 44(1) (a) of the 2005 Act and Regulation 4 of the 2006 Accounts Regulations, and • to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with Regulation 9 of the 2006 Accounts Regulations have not been met, or 2. to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. Date: 23/01/2026 ~~—~~ |
| Relevant professional | |
| qualification(s) or body | Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland |
| (if any): | |
| Address: | Cobalt AccountancyScotland Ltd |
| 27 Lauriston Street | |
| Edinburgh | |
| EH3 9DQ |
APPENDIX 3 Disclosure section Only complete rf the examiner needs to highlight material problems. Glve re brlef detslls of any Items that thé •xamlner wlshes to dlsclose None
Peeblesshire Foodbank SCIO
Charity No. SC045330 Accounts for the Period to 31 Mar 2025
The accounts are prepared on an accruals basis, and are presented in this report as follows:
Statement of Financial Activities
Profit and Loss Account
Balance Sheet Detail of Restricted Funds Notes
Independent Examiner's Report
Peeblesshire Foodbank SCIO
Charity No. SC045330 Accounts for the Period to 31 Mar 2025
| Income Donations and Grants Income from Charitable activities Total Income Expenditure Costs of raising funds Fundraiser Salaries Pension Contributions NI Advertising and Promotion Postage Printing Expenditure on Charitable Activities Value of food distributed Vouchers Claimed Heating Grants Disbursed Clothing purchased Materials purchased Subcontactor (Financial Inclusion) Other Expenditure Rent Office Costs Bank/Finance Charges Insurance Office Equipment Computer Software Internet and Telephone Subscriptions Mobile Phone Trussel Trust Fee Food etc Purchased Motor Expenses Charitable donations Accommodation and Meals Staff Training Staff Entertaining Legal and Professional Fees Books and Journals Travel Sundries Total Expenditure Other recognised gains and losses Revaluation of fixed assets Net movement in funds Reconciliation of funds Total funds brought forward Total funds carried forward |
Unrestricted £ 135,775 64,359 |
Restricted £ 129,215 |
Total 2025 £ 264,990 64,359 |
Total 2024 £ 194,429 49,626 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 200,134 69,958 62,000 5,035 2,230 346 62 285 64,359 64,359 56,300 15,492 933 90 1,305 1,962 80 686 399 72 31,986 234 1,639 108 689 77 513 35 |
129,215 21,467 21,467 98,535 156 98,379 1,436 1,436 |
329,349 91,425 83,467 5,035 2,230 346 62 285 162,894 64,359 - 156 - - 98,379 - 57,736 15,492 933 90 1,305 1,962 80 686 399 72 - 31,986 1,436 234 1,639 108 689 77 - 513 35 |
244,055 62,495 57,683 4,670 122 6 14 93,852 49,613 426 820 6,469 1,524 35,000 52,320 14,878 2,645 226 340 1,553 80 654 847 72 - 27,671 2,213 504 27 354 59 75 87 35 |
|
| 190,617 9,517 313,273 136,856 |
121,438 7,777 193,710 |
- 312,055 - 17,294 313,273 330,566 |
208,667 6,716 28,672 284,601 313272.5 |
Note 1
Peeblesshire Foodbank SCIO
Charity No. SC045330 Accounts for the Period to 31 Mar 2025
| Income Cash/cheque donations Tesco/Trussel Trust Interest received Gift Aid Grants Total donations and grants Value of Food Donated Total Income Expenditure Rent Office Costs Bank/Finance Charges Insurance Office Equipment Computer Software Internet and Telephone Mobile Phone Food etc Purchased Advertising and Promotion Printing & Stationery Postage Subscriptions Motor Expenses Salaries Employers NI Pension Contributions Staff Pensions Subcontractor Costs Accommodation and Meals Vouchers Claimed Heating Grants Disbursed Charitable donations Clothing purchased Materials (warm boxes etc) Depreciation Staff Training Staff Entertaining Legal and Professional Fees Books and Journals Travel Sundries Total Expenditure Value of Food Distributed Total Expenditure Surplus for Period |
Year to 31/3/25 Unrestricted Restricted Total £ £ 120,938 6,217 5,737 2,883 129,215 |
Year to 31/3/25 Unrestricted Restricted Total £ £ 120,938 6,217 5,737 2,883 129,215 |
Year to 31/3/24 Unrestricted Restricted Total £ £ 61,382 15,101 13 1,125 116,821 194,442 Note 1 49,613 Note 2 244,055 14,878 2,645 226 340 1,553 80 654 72 27,671 122 14 6 847 2,213 57,683 Note 4 3,440 1,230 35,000 504 426 820 6,469 1,524 6,716 27 354 59 75 87 35 165,770 49,613 Note 1 215,383 28,672 119,744 46,026 208,667 |
Year to 31/3/24 Unrestricted Restricted Total £ £ 61,382 15,101 13 1,125 116,821 194,442 Note 1 49,613 Note 2 244,055 14,878 2,645 226 340 1,553 80 654 72 27,671 122 14 6 847 2,213 57,683 Note 4 3,440 1,230 35,000 504 426 820 6,469 1,524 6,716 27 354 59 75 87 35 165,770 49,613 Note 1 215,383 28,672 119,744 46,026 208,667 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15,492 933 90 1,305 1,962 80 686 72 31,986 346 285 62 399 1,436 62,000 21,467 2,230 5,035 98,379 1,639 156 234 6,580 108 689 77 513 35 |
264,990 64,359 329,349 254,276 64,359 |
14,878 2,645 226 340 1,553 80 654 72 27,671 122 14 6 847 2,213 57,683 3,440 1,230 35,000 504 426 820 6,469 1,524 6,716 27 354 59 75 87 35 |
194,442 49,613 |
|
| 244,055 165,770 49,613 |
||||
| 132,838 121,438 |
318,635 10,714 312,055 |
119,744 46,026 |
Peeblesshire Foodbank SCIO
Charity No. SC045330 Accounts for the Period to 31 Mar 2025
| Assets Capital Assets Computer Equipment b/f Computer Depreciation b/f Computer Equipment purchase Computer Depreciation in year Fixtures and Fittings b/f Fixtures Depreciation b/f Fixtures Purchase Fixtures Depreciation in year Motor vehicle b/f Motor vehicle depreciation b/f Motor vehicle purchase Motor vehicle Depreciation in year Net book Value Prepayments Voucher prepayments Cash at Bank Current Account Soldo Payment Card Monzo Expenses Card Total Assets Liabilities PAYE/NI Pension Creditor Other Creditors Total Liabilities Net Worth Opening Net Worth Surplus (Shortfall) for the period Closing Net Worth |
At 31/3/25 £ £ 7,504 (4,162) (2,095) 1,411 (470) 1,295 (470) 20,073 (12,044) (4,015) |
At 31/3/25 £ £ 7,504 (4,162) (2,095) 1,411 (470) 1,295 (470) 20,073 (12,044) (4,015) |
At 31/3/24 £ £ 4,378 (1,931) 3,126 (2,231) 1,411 freezer purchase (470) 20,073 (8,029) - (4,015) 12,312 - 19,430 19,430 281,771 165 4,450 286,386 318,128 1,663 3,280 - 4,943 313,183 284,598 28,672 313,270 |
At 31/3/24 £ £ 4,378 (1,931) 3,126 (2,231) 1,411 freezer purchase (470) 20,073 (8,029) - (4,015) 12,312 - 19,430 19,430 281,771 165 4,450 286,386 318,128 1,663 3,280 - 4,943 313,183 284,598 28,672 313,270 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7,027 - 312,188 319,215 5,877 7,988 - 13,865 323,984 313,270 10,714 |
19,430 | 12,312 - 19,430 286,386 |
||
| 308,652 2 3,534 |
281,771 165 4,450 |
|||
| 318,128 1,663 3,280 - |
||||
| 4,943 313,183 284,598 28,672 |
||||
| 323,984 |
Peeblesshire Foodbank SCIO
| Accounts for the Period t Opening balance Income Grants Total Income Expenditure Rent Salaries & NI Subcontractor Costs Heating Grants Disbursed Motor Expenses Warm boxes etc Food purchased Clothing Voucher Prepayments Total Expenditure Closing balance |
o 31 Mar 2025 Trussel Trust C Financial Inclusion 120,951 £ 51,013 |
orra Foundation Heating Grants 1,676 £ |
Charity No. SC045330 Restricted Funds Trussel Trust Salary support 37,831 £ 31,843 |
SBC Vehicle support 2,866 £ |
CLLD F 4,715 £ |
oundation Scotland Warm Boxes 8,339 £ 12,100 |
SBC Border Slow cookers 9,555 £ |
s Community Action + SBC CLLD Community Cafes - £ 34,259 |
Total 185,933 £ 129,215 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 51,013 (98,379) (98,379) |
- (156) (156) |
31,843 (21,467) (21,467) |
- (1,436) (1,436) |
- - |
12,100 - |
- - |
34,259 - |
129,215 - (21,467) (98,379) (156) (1,436) - - - - (121,438) |
|
| 73,584 | 1,520 | 48,207 | 1,430 | 4,715 | 20,439 | 9,555 | 34,259 | 193,710 |
Borders Community Action community cafes £19,780 > SBC CLLD community cafes £14,479
Cash for Kids summer lunch scheme £3,000 > Trussell post
SBC warm boxes £3,100 > CAB warm boxes £4,000 > Trussell CAB financial Inclusion £51,012.50 > Foundation Scotland slow cookers £5,000
Notes
Accounts for the Period to 31 Mar 2025
Value of food donated: it is a requirement of the Trussel Trust to impute a value on the donated food and to show this as both an income and an expense. The standard value of £1.75 per kg has been used in these accounts, and applied to the weight of food distributed as entered on the Trussel Trust website
2 Trussel Trust Stock Distributions 1 Apr 2024 - 31 Mar 2025 Total food distributed 24,104.5 kg at £2.67/kg £ 64,359.00 Grants 3 Borders Community Action 19,780.00 community cafes SBC CLLD 14,479.00 community cafes Trussell 31,843.00 salaries SBC 3,100.00 warm boxes CAB 4,000.00 warm boxes Trussell CAB 51,012.50 financial inclusion Foundation Scotland 5,000.00 slow cookers Total £ 129,214.50